May 10, 2017 (BOSTON)– On Wednesday May 10, 2017, Representative Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster) joined with her colleagues to pass An Act Establishing the Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. “One half of all pregnant women and new mothers in Massachusetts are in the labor force and earning income to support their families,” said Higgins. “There is still a great need to ensure reasonable accommodations are given when needed.”Unfortunately, there are still stories of discrimination and of women having miscarriages due to increased labor demands at work, medical issues arising because management doesn’t allow extra bathroom breaks, water or a chair to sit on and women being forced to make the decision to stay in the workforce or have a healthy pregnancy. This shouldn’t be a choice forced upon pregnant workers.One half of all pregnant women and new mothers in Massachusetts are in the labor force and earning income to support their families and there is a great need to ensure reasonable accommodations are given when needed.###​